Test Description and Process
OvPlex™ is a new diagnostic test designed for women with symptoms. It is not currently considered to be a general population screening test. (There is another national study underway - UKCTOCS - which is looking at different ways to effectively screen women without symptoms, however this trial is still in progress).
There is a risk of a 'false positive' result (a test result indicating the patient has cancer when they don't have it) and the risk of a 'false negative' result (a test result indicating no cancer, when in fact the patient does have the disease), but these risks are significantly lower with an OvPlex™ test than with a CA125 test alone. (See About OvPlex™) Even so, it is important to be aware that as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague or similar to those of other medical conditions, diagnosis at an early stage is not always possible.
For more information please see Ovarian Cancer Screening or our Resources page.
After you order and pay for the OvPlex™ test, you will receive your OvPlex™ wallet (as per the image above) and a letter confirming your payment receipt and instructions in the post within 24-72 hrs. Note: There is no additional charge at the clinic when you have the blood taken, the price you pay for the OvPlex™ test with Intus covers all costs.
You will also receive a list of current locations where you can have your blood sample taken. (Also available on this website - see top right). The number of locations will continually be increased to cover nearly all of the major counties within the UK. You can only have your blood taken at these listed partner clinics and hospitals who are specifically set up to process the OvPlex™ blood test. You can pick a suitable location, book an appointment if required (most are walk-in clinics) and just bring your OvPlex™ wallet on the day. Simply tell the receptionist you are there to have your blood taken, hand the phlebotomist your OvPlex™ wallet, and wait for us to contact you about the results being sent to your doctor a couple of weeks later.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
- DO NOT OPEN YOUR OvPlex™ WALLET when you receive it as this will void the test. The wallet is for clinical use only.
- Your OvPlex™ wallet is not transferable; it has been bar-coded with your identity.
- You must take the wallet with you on the day of your OvPlex™ test or it cannot be performed.
- You can arrange to have your blood sample taken at any location convenient to you. (See list on this website)
- Fasting is not required beforehand.
- Anti-inflammatory medication (including for example regular use of Ibuprofen) may affect the OvPlex™ test. If your Doctor confirms it is appropriate, any anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided for 5 days prior to having the OvPlex™ test, to ensure that the results are not influenced by the medications. If in doubt please ask your Doctor.
The results take about 2-3 weeks to be sent to your Doctor. We will also write to your Doctor informing them about OvPlex™ and how to interpret the results when they receive them if they do not already know.
As only your Doctor will receive your result or can discuss your result with you, we will advise you again by post when we have sent the result to them, after which time you can arrange an appointment to see them as it suits you. In the checkout process you will be asked to enter your Doctor's details - this is mandatory.
This test does not replace a medical opinion. If you have symptoms you are concerned about, you should still see your Doctor urgently. For clarity, Intus Healthcare cannot discuss your results in any way nor do we give any medical advice. However, if you have any other questions, please do contact us.
